Gravity Fest returning to Munnsville Aug. 9-11

MUNNSVILLE -- Approaching the Village of Munnsville heading both north and south on Route 46 are signs proclaiming that you are entering the "Home of Gravity Fest."

Since 2002, the iconic event that attracted thousands of spectators and hundreds of national racers has had some temporary setbacks due to issues with the road and the economy. On Sunday, however, organizers and local officials gathered at the Munnsville American Legion to discuss details for the 2013 extreme sport competition racing weekend to be held Aug. 9-11.

Event organizer Neil Orda said with the improvements to East Hill Road, skateboard riding and street luge racers benefit by a smoother, faster racing surface.

"The largest numbers of racing entrants peaked at 163 in 2008. We can definitely see upwards of 250 racers for this year's event," Orda said. "The sport has really opened up in terms of popularity."

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From an organizer's standpoint, Orda is trying to reduce the size of the races nationwide and holding more events. "Races like the one scheduled for Munnsville will be for the more elite racers," he added.

With the increased popularity of the sport and the field of racers for 2013, Orda estimates the village could see its weekend population increase by more than 2,500 as avid spectators converge on Munnsville. With that comes a great deal of coordination between organizers and local and county departments and area volunteer agencies.

Madison County Sherriff Allen Riley attended the meeting to hear preliminary plans for what his department will need to help coordinate for local road closures, traffic issues and parking. "Insurance and permit issues will also need to be reviewed and coordinated through the Sheriff's Department, "Riley said.

Riley also advised organizers that food vendor applications would need to be approved by the Madison County Health Department. Although preliminary, plans to accommodate racers with a camping facility for the weekend would also require approval by the Health Department.

Some residents of Mosquito Point Road expressed concerns with the possibility that their road could be closed on Friday when residents go to and from work at various shifts during the afternoon. Issues about racing spectators using residents' private properties to get to and from venues were also discussed.

"It is our intent for everyone to have the best time possible during the event and that includes neighbors," Orda said. He informed residents that since Friday is a practice day, he could be more flexible with the closure times to accommodate work schedules. Stockbridge Highway Superintendent Peter Kiehn also said that snow fences could be placed around the properties of residents who feel they may need this added protection.

Over the next several months, meetings with continue to be held with the Munnsville American Legion, village, town and county officials and local fire and emergency response agencies to finalize plans and requirements to provide a fun and safe weekend for racers, spectators and the community.